宮崎
Miyazaki
宮崎 · みやざき
Prefecture
Kyushu
Kanji Literal Meaning
"Shrine Cape"
True Etymology
The name combines 'miya' (宮, shrine or palace) and 'saki/zaki' (崎, cape/promontory). The Miyazaki region is home to the Miyazaki Jingū Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Jimmu, Japan's legendary first emperor. The shrine-cape geography gave the area its name.
Alternative Theory
The 'miya' may also reference ancient imperial connections—Miyazaki is associated with the mythological birthplace of the Japanese imperial line in the Hyūga region. The cape's significance was thus both geographic and sacred.
Key Facts
| Capital | Miyazaki City |
|---|---|
| Region | Kyushu |
| Reading | みやざき |
| Pre-Meiji Domains | Obi Domain, Sadowara Domain, Nobeoka Domain |
| Domain Lords | Itō clan (伊東氏), Shimazu clan (島津氏) |
| Established | 1871-present |